Yahoo News Grey squirrels could be killed across the UK if Theresa May fails to deliver Brexit, wildlife charities warn
Grey squirrels across the UK could be euthanised if Theresa May doesn’t deliver Brexit, wildlife charities have warned.
New EU law is being brought in to prevent medical treatment for “alien” species such as grey squirrels and muntjac deer.
The rules will also prevent the keeping and release of non-indigenous species in the UK.
Charities have warned that the regulations state that any animal taken to a centre for treatment will either be turned away or have the animal taken from them to be killed.
The EU regulation is due to come into force on March 28, the day before the UK is currently scheduled to leave.
The Wildlife Aid Foundation, based in Surrey, has called on the government to block the new EU regulations.
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A statement signed by dozens of wildlife fund managers, including Simon Cowell, founder and chief executive of the Wildlife Aid Foundation, as well as Pauline Kidner, founder and advisor of Secret World Wildlife Rescue, said that many species in the UK would suffer as a result of the legislation.
The statement said: “Under the new EU system, all rescue centres and veterinary surgeons in the UK will be required to euthanise animals bought to them.
“The result will be that any member of the public who finds a grey squirrel, muntjac deer or other ‘alien species’ and takes it to a centre will either be turned away, or the animal will be euthanised, no matter how healthy it is.
“The policy will have no impact on populations of non-indigenous species, as the number of animals released under the current licensing system are insignificant in terms of overall numbers.”
Grey squirrels are not native to the UK and were first introduced in the 1870s.
Muntjac were brought from China to Woburn Park in Bedfordshire in the early 20th century and are now widespread after escaping and being released by humans.
